Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting and sharing some stories with my fellow travellers, seeing some Griffin vultures fly past when we arrived at the 'Pass of the Doves', and walking through some incredibly beautiful meadows of spring flowers.   

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very knowledgeable and really upbeat. She made a really genuine effort to include everyone regardless of their level and fitness.   

Advice for Potential Travellers

A waterproof jacket is a must on a Spring time holiday, as the weather can be slightly unpredicatble.   

Suggestions

Along with several other group members travelling on the group flight from Gatwick I was slightly mystified by an extra flight payment required.  As we were joining a group flight, which we thought would surely have been blocked booked in advance we couldnt really see, or work out any real reason for this. Everyone felt that an adequate explanation of this hadn't really been provided.   Our guide arranged for us to visit the town of Ronda on our final day, could this or perhaps another trip to one of the pueblos blancos actually be somehow built into future trips?.        

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't pick only one thing!  From Maria's brilliant food, to the stunning views in the El Chorro gorge, to the mass of wild flowers we saw on our walks, to the Easter Sunday parade in the next village, to the carriage ride round Seville - I loved every minute of it. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

All I can say is that Roger definitely lived up to the previous reviews about him on the website - and more.  Pretty much anything that our group needed during the week Roger was able to produce out of his daysack or his "office".  This included wet weather gear for those who had come without, a spare rucksack, a walking pole, and a shorter self-guided walk for a couple of us who opted out of one of the more strenuous daywalks.  On our first daywalk we were a little surprised to see the Cortijo dogs suddenly appear at our first water break (although they had been locked in when we left, they had managed to track which way we'd gone and catch us up).  But yet again Roger was ready for the dogs' Great Escape, calling the Cortijo to say the dogs were safe and with us, and then making improvised leads from rope he had in his rucksack.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's definitely worth taking walking poles - there are quite a few ascents and descents on the walks, nothing too much but I was glad to have my poles with me.  Also, it's worth thinking about what you are going to do on your last day, whilst waiting for your flight.  We all flew back at various times on the Saturday evening, but had to be out of our rooms in the Cortijo by mid morning.  It wasn't a problem for our group as between us we found various things to do - some of us went for walks, or to the village for tapas, or just chilled out at the Cortijo.  Perhaps Exodus could think of some possible options, and include in future trip notes......?

Suggestions

Only that I can see why other people have returned to the Cortijo more than once - and I'm fairly certain I'll be doing the same.  It was a great trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed Setenil village.I loved the delicious evening meals. (but they were really late and I was so hungry I'd have eaten anything)It wasn't really an inspirational trip, more a pleasant, interesting, relaxing one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very good. Relaxed, low key. knowledgeable, sensitive to the group and their abilities. Flexible, able to adapt walks depending on the weather. Good ideas for Sevillle, but never pushy and over organising.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof jacket AND trousers. We needed them.Take your own snacks to keep you going between pakced lumch at 1pm and dinner at 8.30pm. The bar prices for drinks and snacks are very high.

Suggestions

I think that being offered a glass of wine on arrival, without any nibbles seemed a bit mean, given that we had all travelled for several hours by the time we got to the Cortijo. Just some crips would have been welcoming. We were cold in our rooms and it took a few days before we were given duvets.   The windows rattled at nght and were very draughty. The towels were quite old and threadbare and the showers nice and hot, but not very high standard.  I know that we were not to expect 'hotel style' accommodation on this kind of trip, so was rather disappointed that the bar prices were really high - certainly hotel style!!    We were a captive audience so had no choice but to pay 1.30 euros for a bottle of water - that seemed a tad exploitative.It was nice to have biscuits , tea and coffee availalbe during the day - a very nice touch indeed. But why were the dinners so late? I know this is the Spanish habit, but it was hard to go from packed lunch to 8.30pm dinner with a couple of biscuits. Either offer a more substantial snack when we get in from a long walk, to keep us going, or make dinner earlier.II don't think the owners enjoyed cooking for us on the first two nights. The meals were very simple indeed. The rest of the weeks the meals were gernerally excellent. Plenty of food, bags of flavour and authentic Spanish, of course. Wonderful. A highlight of the trip.  (but I think 12 euros for the cook book too expensive)

Most Inspirational Moment

The daily yoga, wonderful way to start the day for a walk.Seville on a sunny day, shopping and tapas was a nice change from the trek.Enjoyed the later treks when I decided to go at my own pace and admire the views as I went even if this meant being way behind and inconviencing others in the group. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and informative.  Sometimes remote and reserved.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think it'll be warm in March in Spain - quite cold for the first 3 days!

Suggestions

Although I enjoyed the holiday, I found this experience to be not as enjoyable as other Exodus trips.  It felt like there was an element of being frugal in these economic times creeping in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader needs a change of occupation she was unhelpful and preoccupied, rather childish considering we were all mature adults

Advice for Potential Travellers

The owner of the farmhouse is extremly welcoming and helpful as are his staff.

Suggestions

Its a beautiful area

Most Inspirational Moment

The afternoon spent at the Real Alcazar, Seville - second only to the Al Hambra in Granada.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laid back, helpful and good company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be warned the pool is FREEZING in February - but really exhilarating after a long walk.

Suggestions

This is a very easy week, with relatively short walks and quite a lot of time spent at the farmhouse where there is not a lot to do other than read, play cards etc. This is wonderful for a really chilled holiday but might not suit the more 'active'.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in El Chorro was just stunning. Shame we weren't able to stay there longer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger was really great. He seemed to know everything there was to know about everything, and he made the outings very enjoyable and entertaining. Plus he was very sociable with the group back at the cortijo - joining us for meals and drinks, and getting involved in the silly games!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went at the end of Feb/beginning of March, which seemed an ideal time to go, since the scenery is at its most lush before the summer heat sets in. Plus, while it was warm and sunny on the whole, it wasn't too hot to be scrabbling around on mountains - I think it would have been a bit much for me otherwise! We were the youngest people on the trip at 28 and 29. The majority of the group members were 50+, but don't let that perturb any of you younger travellers (I think that may be due to the time of year and difficulty rating of the holiday), you'll still have a fabulous time!  

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing vultures in Europe.Watch real flaminco dancing from a teacher and her pupil in the village.The Spanish Government are encouraging youngsters to be involved in this traditional form of dance similar to initiatives in Scotland.Moorish Seville

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly and knowlegable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect to buy much except on your day in Seville.